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The Daily Insight

What happens to my TIAA account when I leave the company?

Author

John Thompson

Published Feb 14, 2026

Leave the money in your old employer’s plan. Roll it over1 to your new employer’s plan (if that’s allowed) Roll it over to a new IRA. Cash out of the plan and get your money immediately (which may incur taxes and IRA penalties, depending on your age)

When can I retire with TIAA-CREF?

You can take early benefits when you turn 62, but your monthly payments would be reduced permanently. It’s generally better to wait to collect until your “ full retirement age” of 66 or 67, determined by your birthdate. And if you hold off till age 70, you can maximize your monthly payments.

What kind of services does TIAA CREF offer?

Apart from the above investment options, TIAA also provides some other services: Life insurance. The Giving Fund, which lets you donate tax-free. TIAA Direct provides banking services like interest checking account, high-yield savings account, money market account, and certificates of deposit account.

How often does TIAA CREF annuity value go up?

So you invest in this annuity, your account value will neverdecrease as long as TIAA is around. In fact, it will go up in value by at least 3% every single year, and most likely more depending on market conditions. Think of the savings on antacids during the next stock bubble!

Why does TIAA have a limitation on outgoing transfers?

This limitation on outgoing transfers is needed because it allows TIAA to have control over the total funds managed so it can invest for the long-term. This helps the company towards its goal of paying an attractive interest rate while also guaranteeing the principal in each investor’s annuity account.

Who are the issuers of TIAA annuity certificates?

TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC and Nuveen Securities, LLC, members FINRA and SIPC , distribute securities products. Annuity contracts and certificates are issued by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), New York, NY.